August Newsletter 2013

July 30, 2013

Tennis Myths from Tennis Director Mariano Parris

Tennis Myths are things we have been told repeatedly which make playing more awkward and difficult for us.

One of the biggest myths: TAKE YOUR RACKET BACK EARLY

Actually the best, most economical, effortless, and easy way is to wait as long as possible to keep your racket from going back on its own. Having a continuous motion during your swing is more important. If you take the racket back too early, you will have to stop your swing and will lose racket head speed which will cause you to hit the ball late.

Instead, try turning your shoulders as you wait and hold the racket with your non-dominant hand for as long as possible. In this photo, Federer is letting the racket go away from his left hand and the ball has already bounced on his side of the court.

Another “strange” thing that a lot of tennis pros say is: WATCH THE BALL

If you hear your pro say “watch the ball” on every shot you hit then you should seriously consider trying a new pro! If you miss hit or hit shots off of the frame of the racket or if you don`t have a clean crisp hitting point, then chances are you are not hitting through the line of the ball. Try to not drive through the ball or come across the line of the ball too soon.

Some tennis coaches want you to: TOSS THE BALL HIGH

Most people serve better when they toss the ball low rather than high.Even a few of the top players in the world have a low toss considering how tall they are!Having a semi-low toss will help you snap and be more explosive as you hit.Having a toss that is higher than needed will not give you any additional benefits; it only complicates the process and gives you less time and energy.

How high should you toss the ball? Add 2 inches to your maximum reach you will be making contact when your arm and racket are fully extended. Some of the toss depends also on the grip you have. If you have a forehand grip as your serving grip then your toss should be lower because your reach is lower due to your grip.

When you are at the net, on your ready position: KEEP THE RACKET HEAD HIGH

Some players look through the racket because they keep the racket in the line of vision while waiting for the ball to be put into play at the net. Remember to relax, as that will help you react quicker once the ball is in play. You need to be attentive and alert, but not uptight and obstructed. A good example is the Bryan brothers. They have their rackets an inch off the ground when they are at the net in their ready position.

One of the biggest offenders: STEP ACROSS WITH YOUR LEFT FOOT

This is one of the hardest habits to break for a student who was taught “old school tennis” by the books. Rod Laver in the 60`s was already not stepping across on his forehand. For the last 50 years people have been not stepping across, but we still have coaches teaching and making people do it.

If you are a beginner and play tennis for the first time the last thing you would do is step across, because it doesn`t make sense to. It is very uncomfortable and will make you get too close to the ball. Also, if you cross over it will make you hit the ball behind you and will be impossible on high bouncing shots.

Try stepping towards the ball or towards your target. Top players only step into the ball on the Forehand 20% of the time. They never step across except for 5% of their shots. The rest of their forehands they hit them with OPEN STANCE (see image).

Tennis Tips from Gary Amadio

Why Play Tennis?

One of my most admired and favorite person in tennis is Dr. Jack Groppel, PhD. I’ve had the opportunity to listen to, and speak with, Jack at the USPTA National Conventions. What follows is condensed excerpt of Jack’s research on why we should all play tennis.

“Tennis has historically been called the sport for a lifetime. Is it true? According to scientists from a variety of disciplines, tennis is still one of the best sports anyone can choose to play. The facts: People who participate in tennis three hours per week (at moderately vigorous intensity) cut their risk of death in half from any cause, according to physician Ralph Paffenbarger of Harvard University School of Public Health. (Studied over 10,000 people over a period of 20 years in his landmark 'College Alumni Health Study'.)”

Tennis players scored higher in vigor, optimism and self-esteem while scoring lower in depression, anger, confusion, anxiety and tension than other athletes or non-athletes, according to Dr. Joan Finn in a study done at Southern Connecticut State University. Since tennis requires alertness and tactical thinking, it may generate new connections between nerves in the brain and thus promote a lifetime of continuing development of the brain, reported scientists at the University of Illinois.

Tennis outperforms golf, inline skating and most other sports in developing positive personality characteristics, according to Dr. Jim Gavin -- author of The Exercise Habit.Competitive tennis burns more calories than aerobics, inline skating, or cycling, according to studies on caloric expenditures.

“Is it any wonder that scientists and physicians world-wide view tennis as the most healthful activity to participate in? Other sports may provide excellent health benefits, as well as stimulate mental and emotional growth. But no other sport received such acclaim for its great benefits physically, mentally and emotionally.”

We have many new members here at PRSC, many who are not tennis players. If that’s you and you’re reading this article, do yourself, your spouse and especially your children, a huge favor and seek out and introduce your family to our excellent tennis pros, Mariano and Tony. Drop in on their clinics or take a few lessons. They’re here every day and let their decades of experience open your eyes to the fun and benefits to the “game for a lifetime”.